We recently received the opportunity to travel to Branson, Missouri as part of a travel review for a weekend excursion trip. It was just a short trip, but it was a fun-filled, action-packed trip, and one that delighted the whole family.

Our first evening, we had been driving for nearly ten hours and we were just anxious to get into our hotel and settled and find a place to eat. We checked into the Radisson Hotel Branson. This beautiful hotel awaited us with two double queen suites and all the beds were Select Comfort mattresses and were so amazingly comfortable. They allow pets, which was a huge benefit, as we had been staying with family in Texas and had no choice but to bring our dogs with us. They charge a nominal fee for this, but it was very reasonable at only $50 (check with the hotel as prices may change). The rooms are smoke-free, quiet, and well-decorated. There is a pool on the bottom level, which we didn’t have time to visit, but it seemed to be very popular as we constantly saw families in the elevator going to visit or coming back from the pool and they remarked that they really enjoyed it.

After we settled into the hotel, we decided to look to Yelp! to help us find a suitable place to eat, but maybe one that wasn’t just for tourists, but friendly to locals. We were given a recommendation of Cantina Laredo, which is a small chain of authentic Mexican restaurants that we were already familiar with and new was a safe choice and would have terrific food. What we didn’t know was that the place it would take us was a sight into itself – Branson Landing! Branson Landing is a popular place for locals with shops, restaurants, and live street entertainment. We were lucky on that particular night, because the local Fox News Affiliate was broadcasting live with music, a fountain show, pyrotechnics, and more in celebration of American Idol visiting for auditions! I had the opportunity to be interviewed with my son and it was an incredible experience. The restaurant, Cantina Laredo, was right by the live music and the canal, and we ate outside and had a terrific evening. It was a night to remember and the food was top notch. On our way out, we were serenaded by street performers with amazing talent and everyone had a terrific time. I highly recommend visiting Branson Landing for shopping and eating when you’re in town.

The next morning, they had a blogger’s breakfast planned for us at Silver Dollar City. We got to tour the bakery, where we learned everything is made from scratch and smelled and looked delicious. My family got the chance to try the baked goods, but I didn’t since I have to eat gluten-free. Don’t they look delicious?

After an amazing breakfast, before the park was even open to the rest of the public, they allowed us a special sneak peak and private ride on the famous, award-winning roller coaster, Outlaw Run. This wooden roller coaster was named Best New Ride of 2013 worldwide, was the recently winner of the Travel Channel’s 2014 competition Insane Coaster Wars: World Domination in Episode 2, and was also named one of the “12 biggest game-changers in the history of theme park attractions” by CNN.com. This awesome coaster sends passengers soaring through the Ozark Mountains on a ground-breaking wood coaster that includes: the world’s first and only double barrel roll on a wood coaster, a record-breaking three inversions, and the world’s steepest drop on a wood coaster with steel wheels – more than 16 stories at 81 degrees! It is one of the fastest coasters in the world, reaching a top speed of 68 miles per hour. Well, let me tell you, this ride is not for the faint of heart or anyone scared of heights or roller coasters! It was the most exhilarating roller coaster I have ever ridden and I have ridden every coaster in every theme park I have ever been to. It was phenomenal! It is definitely one you don’t want to miss if you are a fan of roller coasters and theme parks!

I was amazed at all the park had to offer. They had rides for all ages, as well as entertainment and shopping. One of the coolest things was that they had trade stores where they displayed and made their crafts just like they did years and years ago. One of my favorites was the glass making shop. They did a demonstration of blowing glass for us, which was only about 15 minutes, so didn’t take long out of the day, but was very informative and it was a beautiful process.

Our last activity of the day was exploring the Marvel Caves – spelunking! This was on my bucket list! This is an arduous task, which includes navigating many tight spaces and climbing up and down many flights of stairs. If you are scared of heights, claustrophobic, scared of bats (we didn’t see any, but there is the possibility), or have a heart or lung condition, this may not be for you. However, this was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I could fill this page with pictures of this excursion. It was so beautiful! The cave was filled with wonders, not just stalactites and stalagmites, but pools and waterfalls and amazing formations. It was truly a wonder to behold. You could see the opening above, which let in natural light on occasion and it was amazing, but at other times, without the artificial light the park brought to the cave, you would be left in pitch black. It was amazing how large the cave was. I was amazed that people had been exploring this cave for over 100 years, well before we had modern lighting and the modern train that brought us to the light of day. Believe me, I was pooped at the end and could not imagine having to reclimb my way back out of that cave! However, it was an experience to remember and I highly recommend it, especially if you are a nature buff, a cave buff, or a geology buff. Of note was that the tour guide told us that they have held weddings, hot air balloon rides, and concerts in this cave! It truly is a marvel of nature.

Our last adventure of the trip was to see a show. I used to think of Branson as kind of a tourist place for the older generations, but that definitely isn’t the case these days. They have a huge array of shows that will satisfy all ages. We had the opportunity to see The Six Show and you can read the review here. It was a night we won’t forget and I highly recommend it. Everyone from our 10-year-old son to our 16-year-old and 15-year-old twin daughters loved it! There were many other shows available and so many to choose from we could easily stay for a month! You can see many of the shows available now here.

Disclaimer: I received compensation in the form of tickets to admission and hotel accommodations for this trip in exchange for my review. However, all my reviews and opinions are 100% mine and are fair, balanced, and honest. If I do not endorse a product or location, I will always let my readers know this.

Sounds like a good time was had by all. I would love to go Spulunking and see a show but you can keep the rollercoasters lol. If you ever go again stop by Dixie Stampeed, It is Dolly Parton’s restaurant it is a dinner show. I have been to the one in Tn. and loved it.

I love that you were able to find shows to suit the whole family- I’m sure that can’t be easy with teenagers involved! The entire experience sounds amazing, I have never been to Branson. I will have to look into that as a vacation idea!

I have always heard from friends how awesome Branson is. I lived in the south for the longest time and it seems like everyone I knew went there for a summer vacation. Would you believe I have never been?

I never knew Branson, MO offered so much to do! It looks like a great family-friendly city to visit! The trade stores/shops in the park sound interesting and fun to check out, especially that glass blowing one! The Marvel Caves sound exciting as well. I’d love to have the experience of exploring and seeing the natural wonders deep below! I don’t think I’d be up for riding that wooden roller coaster though. Thanks for the review!

It looks and sounds like you folks had a great time on your trip! I looked at that picture of the roller coaster and it brought memories of my childhood. My brother and I loved riding the old wooden roller coasters!

I’ve always wondered what Branson is like as it’s only 9 hours away and I hoped something the whole family would enjoy. I’m always looking for places that we can visit for family vacations and I’ll add this to my list!

Ok,I have to admit that when I think of Missouri,it doesn’t really scream “excitement!”,but I might have to change my mind about that.It looks like you all had a blast and now I really want to check out Marvel Caves and get on that roller coaster!

I had the privilege to visit Branson Missouri in the 80s, I am sure it has changed quite a bit since then, but it was a great city for families to visit then! I have heard stories from others as well since then about how great it is! I lived in closeby Springfield, Mo at the time and I wished to go back to Branson ever since! I was able to visit Silver Dollar City, and was thrilled with the park!

A terrific review about Branson, MO! I loved those pictures and all the things that was available for you to do! It sounds like you had a terrific time on your “short” vacation! I loved the cave! I used to love going to Crystal Cave which is not far from here. They are so fun to tour! I would love to visit there one day and see all the sights there are to see! Thanks so much for sharing your pictures and your “fun”! Michele

I loved Branson Missouri and spent a week there. We went out every day & night. The best thing is the people there, I know dealing with the public is hard work but everyone we met did a great job we felt good. even photos of the actors with us after the shoe. I got to hold one couples baby. FUN

Silver Dollar City is our favorite! My favorite for sure, it has been around far longer than Branson has been a popular tourist attraction. Silver Dollar City was around and well when I was child and I am nearly 50!!

sounds like an amazing time you had, and I can see by the pictures so many wonderful things to see and do.. love visiting places like this and talk about an awesome roller coaster , that an old one , I love it , I notice because its made out of wook and most today are made out of metal.. nice to see that.. thanks for sharing with us..

My daughter and her husband took their children to Branson for their last vacation. She said they had a great time. She didn’t mention Branson Landing or Marvel Caves. I will have to mention these to her for the next time she goes there.

We lived in Springfield for about 5 years in the early 80’s and visited Branson a couple times. Back then it was on a 2 lane road and Baldknobbers was one of the only shows. Would like to go back now and see it now that it is a meca of retired country music artists!

Wow! Branson, Missouri sound like a fun filled place. We have never been there. We have been everywhere else with our kids but not there. When my Father was alive he always said we should go there. He had been there and really loved it. Its just one of those places we never got too! :0( Thankyou for Sharing this Awesome Place with us!

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